After nine glittering years filled with silverware and unforgettable moments, Kevin De Bruyne has officially confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City.
What came as a surprise to many is the timing—De Bruyne chose to announce his departure before the season’s end. It’s a clear message: he’s ready to turn the page and wants ample time to negotiate his next destination before the summer window truly opens.
City, for their part, were keen to offer the Belgian midfield maestro a one-year extension.
However, the proposal reportedly included a significant pay cut to £150,000 per week and the expectation that he’d transition into a rotational or bench role.
For a player who still possesses elite playmaking ability and world-class vision, this proposal felt like a soft push toward the exit door.
After much deliberation, De Bruyne and his team opted for a graceful and dignified goodbye to the Etihad.
A Late Exit from Glory?
If “bowing out at the top” was the ideal script, some might argue that the timing is a year late. After all, De Bruyne could have left on the highest note possible—following City’s historic treble-winning campaign last season.
Nonetheless, his legacy remains untouchable. He is, without question, one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and arguably City’s most influential player of the modern era.
Now, all eyes turn toward one of the most fascinating transfer sagas of the summer:
Will De Bruyne join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, or link up with Lionel Messi’s legacy at Inter Miami?
Messi or Ronaldo? De Bruyne’s Next Chapter Captivates the World
At present, two major destinations are believed to be in serious contention: Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, and Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
Multiple sources claim Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is actively pursuing De Bruyne’s signature.
With Messi rumored to be considering a departure at the end of the year, De Bruyne would serve as a high-profile successor capable of keeping global attention on the MLS and maintaining the club’s commercial momentum.
However, there’s one major obstacle—MLS salary restrictions. The league’s strict wage cap means that unless the “Designated Player” rule is invoked, Inter Miami could only offer around £550,000 per year.
That said, Beckham and Miami could follow a precedent set with Zlatan Ibrahimović—offering a low-wage deal in year one, followed by a second-year contract with significant bonuses, commercial incentives, and equity arrangements.
De Bruyne is reportedly open to a wage cut for lifestyle and family considerations, particularly as he eyes the twilight of his career.
His minimum acceptable salary is believed to be around £11 million per year, roughly half his current deal at City—an amount that remains out of reach for Miami unless creative financial structuring is involved.
The Saudi Temptation: A Fortune Awaits
In contrast, Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League are reportedly ready to roll out the red carpet.
According to international reports, De Bruyne could be offered a weekly salary of £1 million, plus a multi-million-pound signing bonus.
It’s more than double what he earns in the Premier League, and for a 32-year-old, such a deal is difficult to ignore.
Adding to the appeal is De Bruyne’s public admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Belgian has stated before that “passing to Ronaldo is every playmaker’s dream.”
With Ronaldo chasing the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, a partnership with De Bruyne could turn into one of football’s most entertaining final acts.
Yet, for now, no official talks have taken place. Al-Nassr is said to be prioritizing Ronaldo’s contract extension before initiating formal negotiations with De Bruyne.
As such, the Saudi option remains a powerful but pending opportunity.
A Farewell and a New Mission
Regardless of which path he chooses, De Bruyne’s departure signals the end of an era—not just for Manchester City, but for the Premier League itself.
He was the conductor of City’s symphony, the metronome in midfield, the architect of countless goals.
His passing range, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate tempo made him one of the most complete midfielders the league has ever seen.
Now, he stands at a crossroads. Will he chase financial legacy in Saudi Arabia or seek a balanced life and cultural spotlight in the United States?
Either decision will spark global headlines.
To Ronaldo, De Bruyne would be the perfect supplier.
To Inter Miami and Beckham, he is the heir to Messi’s MLS reign.
But beyond the money and fanfare, this next move is about legacy, about how Kevin De Bruyne wishes to write the final chapter of one of football’s most elegant stories.
